Stafford

Pay Competition Hinders Stafford School Safety Staffing

By Uriah Kiser
Decatur [Photo: Stafford County Government]

Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur told county supervisors that 10 of 17 elementary school protection officer positions are vacant, despite full staffing for middle and high school resource officers, as regional pay disparities complicate recruitment.

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Manassas

Manassas Regional Airport Targets Commercial Flights in Second Quarter 2027

By Uriah Kiser
A rendering shows passenger planes serving the Manassas Regional Airport Terminal.

Manassas Regional Airport officials presented their 2025 annual report to the Manassas City Council, highlighting steady progress toward launching scheduled passenger service in the second quarter of 2027.

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Prince William

Prince William Theater Teachers Fight New Stage Rules

By Uriah Kiser
ARTfactory Wind River Theater

Prince William County officials defended new permitting rules for school theater stages after teachers and students raised concerns at a School Board meeting on February 18.

The controversy stems from a January 13, 2026, memorandum issued by Prince William County Risk Management, enforced through the county permitting office. It mandates county permits, structural reviews by licensed engineers or contractors, and a four- to six-month approval timeline for any temporary theatrical stage or platform exceeding 16½ inches in height or 120 square feet in area, particularly when supporting 10 or more people.

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Prince William

Prince William County Parks Director Highlights 2025 Growth

By Uriah Kiser
Occoquan Greenway Bridge Offers New Trail Connection for Pedestrians and Bicyclists [Photo: Prince William County Parks and Rec]

– Prince William County Parks and Recreation showcased strong 2025 growth through new parkland, amenities, programs, partnerships, and record visitor numbers.

– The address emphasized the system’s role in community health, inclusion, and economic vitality across Prince William County.

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Stafford

Stafford Supervisors Consider Bringing Back BPOL Business Tax

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presents the proposed FY2027 budget to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17, 2026, at the Government Center.

Stafford County supervisors reviewed a proposed $45 million increase in the FY 2027 budget during a work session, as state mandates, rising costs, and collection challenges pressure local finances.

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Prince William

Restaurant Owners Cheer Prince William Meals Tax Repeal Push

By Uriah Kiser
A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.

Prince William County restaurant owners and industry groups welcome Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson’s proposal to fully repeal the meals tax.

Prince William County Board Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson proposed fully repealing the county’s meals tax in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026. The tax, reduced from 4% to 3% effective January 1, 2026, applies to prepared foods and beverages at restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining.

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Manassas

Manassas Tax Bills Still Rising Under Lower Rate

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas City Council received a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget that lowers the real estate tax rate to $1.05 per $100 of assessed value, but average residential bills would still increase by $289 annually due to rising property values driven by data center developments.

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Traffic

Triple Reverse-Peak Service Planned for VRE Lines

By Uriah Kiser
The Woodbridge VRE station [Photo: VRE]

Virginia Railway Express CEO Katie Choe presented an ambitious plan Feb. 20 to transform VRE into a full regional rail system by 2030 with tripled reverse-peak trains, expanded daily service, and robust weekend operations.

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Prince William

PWCS Proposes $2.1 Billion FY27 Budget

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade. [Courtesy of PWCS on X]

Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade presented a proposed $2.1 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the School Board, featuring significant staff pay increases and new strategic investments amid declining enrollment.

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